ALC Alum Inducted Into Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame

Mrs. Deidra Hylton Patton (Class of 1982) has been selected for induction into the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. Mrs. Patton is one of three educators in the state of Kentucky to receive this honor this year. The induction ceremony will take place at the State Capitol in Frankfort on March 1, 2011. The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame was established in 2000 at Western Kentucky University through a generous gift from former Kentucky governor, Louie B. Nunn. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize Kentuckians who have made significant contributions to the teaching profession and recognize the role P-12 teachers play in the education of young people.

Mrs. Patton is a native of Hazard who grew up in Hindman. She began teaching at Carr Creek Elementary and has been teaching for 28 years. Mrs. Patton piloted a gifted and talented program for Knott County from 1983 to 1987. After moving from Knott County, Mrs. Patton taught 3rd and 4th grade students at Cannonsburg Elementary (1988-91), was a gifted education teacher for Boyd County (1991-99), and currently serves as the gifted and talented coordinator at Boyd County Schools and K-5 gifted education teacher at Cannonsburg.

Mrs. Patton attributes much of her success as a teacher to being a life-long learner. She states that, “You have to be learning beside your students. That’s what it takes to remain committed and enthusiastic—not sitting down at your desk, but beside them.”

Mrs. Patton received her bachelor’s degree in education from ALC in 1982, followed by a master’s degree (1984) and Rank I (1985) from Morehead State University, and National Board Certification in 2003. Her previous awards include the Ashland Teacher Achievement Award (2008) and the Alice Lloyd College Elementary Education Award (1982).